Spokesperson for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticized the Mahama administration for approving the purchase of a new presidential jet, a move he describes as hypocritical, given the government’s earlier opposition to such acquisitions.
Parliament recently endorsed a $60 million agreement with Dassault Aviation for a Falcon 6X aircraft, along with a €125 million deal for four Airbus helicopters, intended to modernize the Ghana Air Force’s aging fleet.
The government has defended the purchases as necessary to bolster operational capacity, citing outdated equipment and rising maintenance costs.
However, Dr. Bawumiah’s spokesperson, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, questioned the timing and priority of the expenditure.
In a social media post, he highlighted that the decision comes amid a more than 28% rise in utility costs, persistent high prices for goods, and a rising cost of living, despite recent improvements in inflation and exchange rates.
He also pointed to unfulfilled promises, such as postings for nurses and teachers, and the termination of employment for thousands of young Ghanaians.
“Eleven months ago, this government criticized the idea of a new jet, calling it wasteful while claiming the existing one was in pristine condition. Now, they’re spending $60 million on an even more expensive aircraft,” Aboagye stated.
“At a time when citizens are struggling, how can such a luxury be justified?”
He accused the administration of betraying public trust, especially among younger voters who supported them based on promises of fiscal responsibility and people-centered governance.
“Spending this amount on a presidential jet so soon after condemning the idea isn’t just inconsistent—it’s a sin and a disrespect to Ghanaians,” he added.
The Minority in Parliament has previously demanded clarity on why earlier proposals for similar acquisitions were rejected, underscoring ongoing scrutiny over the government’s spending priorities.
